Ruff to return as Sabres' coach

BUFFALO, N.Y., April 29 (UPI) -- Lindy Ruff was retained Thursday as the coach of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres.

The Sabres picked up a 1-year option that was remaining on Ruff's contract. He just completed his 12th season as the Buffalo head coach.

The Sabres won the NHL's Northeast Division this season with a 45-27-10 record. That was good enough for third in the Eastern Conference but Buffalo was ousted from the playoffs by the Boston Bruins in the first round.

Ruff, 50, owns team marks for length of tenure as head coach and victories. The Sabres are 483-379-122 under Ruff.